. >> reporter: and that reward came directly from the obama administration, which gave shell the green light to start drilling. shell declined our request for an interview. but told us in an e-mail, the debate on whether to evaluate arctic energy resources is over. we are now focused on safe execution. but greenpeace says it's time to draw a line in the ice. they vow not to stop until all arctic drilling is banned permanently. >> you drill for oil, it's utter madness. >> reporter: earlier this year, activists disrupted operations on a russian rig for five days, despite being pummeled by a water canon. but in the fight against shell, greenpeace is trying a different approach, science. they invited us to tagalong. it's a bumpy ride to their research hub 40 miles offshore. if you fall in this water, you could easily die within just three minutes. we're welcomed aboard "the esperanza," greenpeace's ship. and life onboard is what you might expect. tofu for lunch, a serious recycling program and an eclectic crew from all over the world, who dedicate their lives to the cause. >> in this remot